Garment apparatus and method for exercise

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for targeted fat tissue loss in the form of a garment is provided. The garment is configured, for example, as a pair of either short or long pants, and comprises an integrated elastic member. The elastic member conforms to and compresses with an inward pressure a targeted body region of the wearer&#39;s body. For example, a region proximate to the lower torso/waist of the wearer may be targeted. The garment further comprises a zipper and waistband portion. The zipper extends vertically, for example, on the side of the garment, making the garment easier to put on and take off. The waistband portion helps secure the garment to the wearer&#39;s body.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to apparatus and methods for exercising and focusing effects of the workout on specialized muscles or muscle groups.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

(Not applicable)

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

(Not applicable)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today, a wide variety of exercising garments and devices are available. These include pressure applying circumferential members. One of the primary objectives of this technology is the selective training of muscles, with the objective of strength building and or enhancing appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, an apparatus for targeted fat tissue loss in the form of a garment is provided. The garment is configured, for example, as a pair of either short or long pants, and comprises an integrated elastic member. The elastic member conforms to and compresses with an inward pressure a targeted body region of the wearer's body. For example, a region proximate to the lower torso/waist of the wearer may be targeted. The garment further comprises a zipper and waistband portion. The zipper extends vertically, for example, on the side of the garment, making the garment easier to put on and take off. The waistband portion helps secure the garment to the wearer's body.

In accordance with the invention, an exercise garment configured as a pair of pants comprises a pants portion. A substantially flat elastic member defines an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The substantially flat elastic member is configured and dimensioned to extend around a wearer's body. The substantially flat elastic member has a length smaller than the waist of the wearer, and a width dimensioned to extend upwardly from the center of the waist of the wearer's body to a point on the wearer's body substantially displaced above the center of the waist of the wearer. The width further is dimensioned to extend downwardly from the center of the waist of the wearer's body to a point on the wearer's body substantially displaced below the center of the waist of the wearer.

An attachment member secures the flat elastic member to the pants portion.

The inventive exercise garment may comprise a zipper. The zipper may comprise a first strip of mating zipper teeth secured to the first side edge and a second strip of mating zipper teeth secured to the second side edge. The first and second strips are configured to extend across the width of the substantially flat elastic member. The first and second strips of mating zipper teeth are configured and dimensioned to connect the first side edge to the second side edge of the elastic member.

The zipper may be oriented substantially transverse to either the upper edge or the lower edge.

The inventive exercise garment may further comprise an elastic waistband portion attached to the pants portion which is configured and dimensioned to extend around the wearer's body.

The exercise garment may further comprise a closure device positioned at the top of the zipper.

The closure may join the first side edge to the second side edge.

The zipper may be secured to the closure to join the first side edge and second side edge through the use of stitching.

The substantially flat elastic member may comprise a Neoprene®-like material.

The pants portion may be configured to act as a pair of long pants.

In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the same may be configured as a pair of pants and comprise a garment member that defines a wraparound structure having a portion configured and dimensioned to extend around the waist and/or abdomen and/or hips of a user. The garment member comprises a waist portion proximate the upper portion of the garment member and a leg receiving portion positioned below the waist portion. An elastic member, defines an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The elastic member is configured and dimensioned to extend around a wearer's body. The elastic member has a length substantially smaller than the waist of the wearer, and a width dimensioned to extend upwardly from the center of the waist of the wearer's body to a point on the wearer's body substantially displaced above the center of the waist of the wearer. The width further is dimensioned to extend downwardly from the center of the waist of the wearer's body to a point on the wearer's body substantially displaced below the center of the waist of the wearer. An attachment member secures the flat elastic member to the pants portion.

In accordance with the invention, the exercise garment may further comprise a zipper. The zipper comprises a first strip of mating zipper teeth secured to the first side edge and a second strip of mating zipper teeth. The second strip of mating zipper teeth mates with the first strip of mating zipper teeth. The second strip of mating zipper teeth is secured to the second side edge. The first and second strips are configured to substantially extend across the width of the elastic member. The first and second strips of mating zipper teeth are configured and dimensioned to connect the first side edge and second side edge of the elastic member. The zipper is oriented substantially transverse to either the upper edge or the lower edge.

An elastic waistband portion may be attached to the pants portion and configured and dimensioned to extend around the wearer's body.

In accordance with the invention, the pants may be long pants which include leg portions configured and dimensioned to cover a substantial portion of the thighs and/or calves of the user.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the pants may be short pants which do not include leg portions and may be configured and dimensioned to leave the calves of the user uncovered.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, it is contemplated that the elastic member may be substantially flat.

The attachment member comprises thread and secures the elastic member to the garment member along the waist portion of the garment member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The operation of the inventive garment will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a garment constructed in accordance with the present invention and incorporating a zipper on the side of the garment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the inventive garment schematically illustrating the position of a conventional closure snap pair;

FIG. 3 is a detail view illustrating the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a garment implemented according to the present invention showing details of the gusset employed;

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the inventive garment showing the garment zipper being opened to enable the garment to be put on and taken off easily;

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention with the zipper positioned on the front of the garment, illustrating a structure which may be used to position the zipper on the front of the garment or the rear of the garment;

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the elastic member is positioned on the outside of the garment; and

FIG. 8 illustrates the positioning of a closure on the inside of a garment with the hook portion of the closure extending toward the inside of the garment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1-5, an exercise garment 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in perspective view. More particularly, when the same is being worn, inventive exercise garment 10 snugly fits the wearer's body 12, as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1.

In accordance with the present invention, dimensions of components of garment 10 may vary and may also be customized. For example, patterns based on existing exercise garments may be used to make garments of various sizes, but modified to include a stretch member. Customization by way of individual tailoring by a tailor who manufactures individual garments for a select clientele is also contemplated by the invention. Exercise garment 10 comprises an overall pants portion 14. Overall pants portion 14 is formed of a single knitted piece of fabric which may be knitted specially for the particular garment.

Pants portion 14 comprises a legs portion 16 and waist portion 18. Legs portion 16 comprises two individual leg portions 20 and 22 made of stretchable fabric, for example, polyester. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the thickness of leg portions 20 and 22 is 60 thousandths of an inch. Alternatively, the thickness of the leg portions may vary, for example, the most preferred range of thickness is 50-90 thousandths of an inch. A less preferred range of thickness is 90-150 thousandths of an inch. Stretchable material of leg portions can be stretched up to 250 percent of its original length in the vertical direction and 300 percent of its original length in the horizontal direction.

Both leg portions comprise cuff-like leg openings 24 and 26. Leg openings 24 and 26 are formed by a differently knitted fabric which is continuously woven with the fabric of the rest of leg portions 20 and 22, and is folded over upon itself inwardly thus forming a double layer configuration which is secured in place with stitching. Leg openings 24 and 26 are made of the same stretchable material as leg portions 20 and 22. Being made of elastic material, the material of leg openings 23 and 26 can be horizontally stretched 250% of its original length and can be vertically stretched 300% of its original length. The height of leg openings 24 and 26 is ¾ of an inch. Alternatively, the height of leg openings 24 and 26 may vary, for example, the preferred range of heights of leg openings 24 and 26 is 0.5 to 1 inch.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the thickness of leg openings 24 and 26 is 80 thousandths of an inch. Alternatively, the thickness of leg openings 24 and 26 may vary, for example, the most preferred range of thickness is 60-120 thousandths of an inch. A less preferred range of thickness is 120-250 thousandths of an inch. Legs portion 16 further comprises rhombus shaped gusset 28. Gusset 28 connects leg portions 20 and 22 by stitching. Waist portion 18 comprises zipper 30, waist band 32, and hook closure 33 (FIG. 8).

Zipper 30 is in a vertical configuration and can be located on the left or right side of the exercise garment 10 from the wearer's perspective. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, zipper 30 is positioned on the right side. The length of zipper 30 can vary depending on the size of the exercise garment 10 and user's preference. In accordance with the particular embodiment, the length of zipper 30 is 8.5 inches. Zipper 30 optionally may be waterproof or water resistant. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, waist band 32 has a thickness of 0.105 inches. Alternatively the thickness of waistband 32 may be in the range of 0.08-0.15 inches.

Hook closure 33 comprises a hook 35 and a loop 37. Hook 35 is positioned at the top of elastic rubber member edge 36 next to one of the sets of teeth of zipper 30. Loop 37 is positioned at the top of rubber elastic edge 38 next to the other set of teeth of zipper 30. Both hook 35 and loop 37 are secured to elastic rubber member 34 using stitching 39. See FIG. 8.

The height of waistband 32 is 3.2 inches and is made of the same material as leg openings 24 and 26 and is also in a double layer configuration. Waistband 32 has a circumference of 25 inches. Waistband 32 is formed of same material as leg openings 22 and 26 and is also in a double layer configuration best seen in cross sectional view of FIG. 2.

Exercise garment 14 further comprises elastic rubber member 34. Elastic rubber member 34 is positioned inside waist portion 18. Rubber or elastic member 34 is made of a material such as Neoprene® Synthetic Rubber. The upper edge 31 of elastic rubber member 34 is attached to upper edge of waistband 32 by stitching and its ends 36 and 38 are attached to the opposite sides of zipper 30.

When zipper 30 is fully unzipped, elastic rubber member edges 36 and 38 are fully separated. Zipper 30 is connected to elastic rubber member 34 and waist portion 18 with stitching. The bottom edge 40 of the elastic rubber member 34 is stitched to the waist portion 18. Optionally, more different stitch patterns between upper edge 31 and lower edge 40 may be applied to further secure elastic rubber member 34 to waist portion 18. Additional stitches will prevent separation of middle portion of elastic rubber member 34 and waist portion 18. Gusset 28 is connected to a stitch 42 of leg 20. Referring to FIG. 3, atop sectional view of waistband member 32 and elastic rubber member 34 is illustrated.

Elastic rubber member 34 is in contact with the wearer's body 12, which is shown in phantom lines. Elastic rubber member 34 applies inward force on wearer's body 12 and provides heat insulation. Referring to FIG. 4, a side plan view of exercise garment 10 illustrating zipper 30 in a fully zipped position. A stitch 42 of leg 22 and gusset 28 are illustrated in phantom lines.

Referring to FIG. 5, a side plan view of exercise garment 10 illustrating zipper 30 in a halfway zipped position.

For purposes of organization, alternative embodiments are, where practical, numbered with numerical part designators which are multiples of 100 different from the numbers assigned to corresponding, analogous or similar parts in other embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 6, a front plan view of an alternative configuration exercise garment 110, having a front placement of zipper 130. The present application discloses a number of embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 7-8, an alternative configuration exercise garment 210 is illustrated. Rubber or elastic member 234 is positioned externally in respect to waist portion 218. The upper edge 231 of elastic rubber member 234 is attached to upper edge of waistband 232 by stitching and its ends 236 and 238 are attached to the opposite sides of zipper 230. The bottom edge 240 of the elastic rubber member 234 is stitched to the waist portion 218.

In addition, more stitch patterns between upper edge 231 and lower edge are applied to further secure elastic rubber member 234 to waist portion 218. Additional stitches will prevent separation of middle portion of elastic rubber member 234 and waist portion 218.

Generally it is noted that the zipper is attached by stitching on both sides of the zipper, that is stitching associated with both sets of zipper teeth. Moreover, the zipper, in the preferred embodiment, is stitched to both the knitted outer garment or pants section, the waist member, and the neoprene member which applies pressure during exercise while the user is wearing the garment.

In accordance with the invention, the closure at the waist of the garment, for example the hook and loop closure of the type illustrated herein, is positioned near the top of the zipper so that the stress applied by the neoprene elastic member during exercise is taken off the zipper during the exercise.

When it is desired to put on the inventive garment, the zipper is opened and the garment is put on in a conventional fashion. After this the position of the elastic member is adjusted to be positioned over the area where reduction is desired so the pressure may be applied over that area of the surface of the body. After positioning has been completed, the zipper is closed. While the user is putting the garment on, more particularly tightening the zipper, the individual pulls the zipper up while pulling opposing strips of teeth of the zipper together with the hands. Such pulling together of the zipper teeth sets is done in order to avoid putting excess tension on the topmost engaged zipper teeth during the zipper zipping up operation. The closure may then be clipped at the waist to prevent excessive pressure on the zipper ends during exercise.

While this specification illustrates the invention in combination with a particular garment, it is understood that such garments may be manufactured by those skilled in the art with a wide variety of configurations. In accordance with the invention, the garment must be substantially formfitting, flexible, elastic, stretchable and capable of being adjusted upwardly and outwardly on the body while being stretched in the vertical direction. Likewise, stretch must also be provided in the horizontal direction.

In accordance with the present invention the placement of the Neoprene® band may be adjusted upwardly or downwardly to overlie a particular area where reduction in size is desired. Once positioned, the user performs exercise which result in working out the muscles underlying the Neoprene® band. Because the main body of the garment may be stretched in a vertical direction, the band can be moved up and down vertically to a desired position.

The Neoprene® band has the effect of promoting loss of water and thus decreasing volume of the tissue underneath it during a workout. In addition, the muscles underneath the band are forced to work harder because of the compressive action of the band, thus tightening the muscles, and promoting the reduction of fat in those areas targeted by the garment by selective positioning of the same. More particularly, such added work by the muscles results in greater fat reduction by the muscles being exercised and working against the elastic member.

In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated that, depending upon the position of the inventive clothing, being worn by the individual for example at the waist or below the waist, the reduction of the volume of the tissue underneath the inventive garment is thus advantageously directed by being placed in different positions on the body of the wearer. More critically, the same would be put over the waist to reduce the size of the waist. Likewise, the inventive garment may be placed over the center of the abdomen to reduce the volume of the abdominal area of the body.

The inventive garment may also be varied in other ways, for example such features as size, color, pattern, and so forth.

The adjustment of the vertical position of the Neoprene® band also allows the user to concentrate effort on a particular part of the body. By way of explanation, the amount of oxygen in the blood is limited and a vicious workout will deplete the same. After that the individual is substantially unable to exercise more. By concentrating the consumption of oxygen by muscles positioned underneath the Neoprene® band, the available oxygen will be disproportionately utilized by those muscles, thus giving them the advantage of the work out to a disproportionately greater amount. In this way, a user may tailor the effects of exercise to focus the same on a particular body part to an extent even greater than may be possible by varying the nature of the exercise. Moreover, if the individual exercises to the point of exhaustion, the training and work out of the particular muscles lying underneath the Neoprene® band may be maximized.

Alternatively, the closure on the inside of a garment may be positioned with the hook portion of the closure extending toward the outside of the garment, which for many users will be easier to operate on placing the closure into the closed position. In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated that the closure may be engaged prior to completely zipping up the garment.

While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, it is noted that various modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the above description and drawings. Such modifications are within the scope of the invention which is limited and defined only by the following claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. An exercise garment configured as a pair of pants, comprising: (a) a pants portion; (b) a substantially flat elastic member, said substantially flat elastic member defining an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, said substantially flat elastic member being configured and dimensioned to extend around a wearer's body, said substantially flat elastic member having a length smaller than the waist of the wearer, and a width dimensioned to extend upwardly from the center of the waist of the wearer's body to a point on the wearer's body substantially displaced above the center of the waist of the wearer, said width further being dimensioned to extend downwardly from the center of the waist of the wearer's body to a point on the wearer's body substantially displaced below the center of the waist of the wearer; and (c) an attachment member securing said flat elastic member to said pants portion.
 2. An exercise garment as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a zipper, said zipper comprising a first strip of mating zipper teeth secured to said first side edge and a second strip of mating zipper teeth secured to said second side edge, said first and second strips being configured to extend across the width of said substantially flat elastic member, said first and second strips of mating zipper teeth being configured and dimensioned to connect the first side edge and second side edge of the elastic member, said zipper being oriented substantially transverse to either said upper edge or said lower edge.
 3. Said exercise garment as stated in claim 1 further comprising an elastic waistband portion attached to said pants portion configured and dimensioned to extend around the wearer's body.
 4. Apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said exercise garment further comprises a closure device positioned at the top of said zipper.
 5. Apparatus as in claim 4, wherein said closure joins said first side edge to said second side edge.
 6. Apparatus as in claim 4, wherein said zipper is secured to said closure joins said first side and second side edge via said stitching.
 7. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said substantially flat elastic member comprises a neoprene-like material.
 8. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said pants portion is configured to act as a pair of long pants.
 9. An exercise garment configured as a pair of pants, comprising: (a) a garment member defining a wraparound structure having a portion configured and dimensioned to extend around the waist and/or abdomen and/or hips of a user, said garment member comprising a waist portion proximate the upper portion of said garment member and a leg receiving portion positioned below said waist portion; (b) an elastic member, said elastic member defining an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, said elastic member being configured and dimensioned to extend around a wearer's body, said elastic member having a length substantially smaller than the waist of the wearer, and a width dimensioned to extend upwardly from the center of the waist of the wearer's body to a point on the wearer's body substantially displaced above the center of the waist of the wearer, said width further being dimensioned to extend downwardly from the center of the waist of the wearer's body to a point on the wearer's body substantially displaced below the center of the waist of the wearer; and (c) an attachment member securing said flat elastic member to said pants portion.
 10. An exercise garment as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a zipper, said zipper comprising a first strip of mating zipper teeth secured to said first side edge and a second strip of mating zipper teeth, said second strip of mating zipper teeth mating with said first strip of mating zipper teeth, said second strip of mating zipper teeth being secured to said second side edge, said first and second strips being configured to substantially extend across the width of said elastic member, said first and second strips of mating zipper teeth being configured and dimensioned to connect the first side edge and second side edge of the elastic member, said zipper being oriented substantially transverse to either said upper edge or said lower edge.
 11. An exercise garment as in claim 1 further comprising an elastic waistband portion attached to said pants portion configured and dimensioned to extend around the wearer's body.
 12. An exercise garment as in claim 10, wherein said pants are long pants which include leg portions configured and dimensioned to cover a substantial portion of the thighs and/or calves of the user.
 13. An exercise garment as in claim 10, wherein said pants are short pants which do not include leg portions and is configured and dimensioned to leave the calves of the user uncovered.
 14. An exercise garment as in claim 10, wherein said elastic member is substantially flat.
 15. An exercise garment as in claim 10, wherein said attachment member comprises thread and secures said elastic member to said garment member along the waist portion of said garment member.
 16. A method for exercising using the garment of claim 9, comprising: (a) putting on the garment; (b) adjusting the position of the elastic member to over lie and area of the body where size reduction is desired; and (c) performing an exercise involving muscles positioned below the elastic member.
 17. A method as in claim 16, further comprising (d) removing the garment.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the garment includes a closure at the upper and of the zipper, and the closure is engaged prior to completely zipping up the garment.
 19. A garment as in claim 9 further comprising a closure, said closure comprising male and female members, and where in wherein the closure is positioned on the inside of the garment and the female member extends toward the outside of the garment.
 20. A method as in claim 16, wherein the elastic member is positioned over a body part to be reduced, such as the waist or abdomen. 